Nellie's Cory Cactus (Escobaria minima)

Nellie's cory cactus is a tiny cactus with rounded, single stems to 1 inch tall. It is crowded with thick, white spines and produces pink flowers.

Life History

This tiny cactus with its thick whitish spines and attractive pink flowers (larger than the plant itself) is highly prized among collectors. It blooms primarily in May, but the blooming period lasts from March - June. Afterwards, it produces fruit that ripens from June - October. Nellie's cory cactus was once found on highway right- of-ways, but was extirpated due to intense collecting pressure.